Article
A destructive civil war, social upheaval, market forces and plastic have all played a part in the gradual erosion of Jaffna’s rich legacy of arts and crafts. A major dyeing and weaving centre before colonization, its skilled artisans have gradually disappeared, taking with them a wealth of irreplaceable knowledge. At one point, almost ten percent of the northern population was involved in the craft industry.
For a fledging industry that relies on tourists and diaspora clients, the most recent set back was Covid-19 that disrupted the flow of visitors who purchased the products.
But it’s not just about selling because it is a self-sustaining venture based on innovation, creativity, preserving old designs and techniques and helping vulnerable communities.